Canada looks to SMRs

The Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) on 1 June began discussions on small modular reactor (SMRs) technology in Canada, and the role CNL can play in bringing this technology to market.

CNL said that over the past decade, SMRs have increasingly been recognised as a potential alternative to large-scale nuclear reactors and hold opportunities for Canada, particularly for remote communities or industrial sites.

In a Request for Expressions of Interest, CNL is seeking input from SMR technology developers, potential end users, and any other interested parties and stakeholders, including potential host communities, unions, the nuclear supply chain, and research and academic institutions.

“This Request for Expressions of Interest aims to build an understanding of the existing capabilities, technology gaps, needs and requirements both from technology developers and other stakeholders, and overall market interest so that CNL can position itself as a key partner to the development and deployment of SMRs”, CNL said. The Request is open until 31 July.

“We intend to begin the generic site selection and licensing process for the first demonstration or prototype reactor later this year," said Kathryn McCarthy, vice-president, research & development, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. "At this preliminary stage, these activities will be technology neutral, and inclusive of all potential technologies. We need to hear from the broader SMR development community, to ensure that their needs are being captured.”

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